I really wanted to like this novel. There are currently only few good steampunk novels and "The Affinity Bridge" is perhaps one of the better known titles. But dear, oh dear it's a kitchen sink of a novel with so many ideas thrown into the mix, none of which are fully formed before the next new steampunk idea/cliche is thrown in. I could have accepted that short coming if that was the only short coming but I'm afraid, dear reader, the biggest problem with this novel is the dialogue. I know it's an alternative history novel but the language used just doesn't ring true, and as a result the characters are unbelievable and 2D. After 100 pages I had to give up on it, I threw it across the bedroom (perhaps it would have got better but life's too short to tolerate poor novels) I've now turned to Baxter's Time Ships - a much better written book.

It took a while for Contact to get to Blu-Ray but it was worth the wait. The appearance of Contact on Blu-ray was one without a fanfare, none of the Film/Scifi magazines or website shouted the fact from the roof top which was a pity as this movie about some very bad movies benefits from the resolution enhancement. The film deals with big themes and questions of science and religious faith. The film is only slightly dated by the technology on display in front and behind the camera (i.e. the SFX). Overall the watching experience is enhanced by the new format and hopefully will be reassessed by a refreshed audience and one of my top ten desert island Blu-Rays. Carl would have loved it. OK to Go!